The Tennessee Titans pulled off a thrilling 32-27 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday, and quarterback Will Levis was at the center of the action. The rookie showcased his big-play ability with a 278-yard, two-touchdown performance, but his two turnovers and eight sacks highlighted areas for growth.
The win improves Tennessee to 5-6, keeping their playoff hopes alive in a tightly contested AFC South.
Big Plays Fuel Titans’ Offense
Levis’ ability to create explosive plays was on full display. On Tennessee’s first three drives, he led the team to scores, including a 38-yard touchdown pass to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and a 63-yard strike to Calvin Ridley that set up Tony Pollard’s rushing touchdown.
One of the game’s standout moments came in the third quarter when Levis connected with Chigoziem Okonkwo for a 70-yard touchdown. While much of the yardage came after the catch, the play demonstrated Levis’ knack for hitting his receivers in stride, giving them room to work.
| Levis’ Key Stats | Performance |
|---|---|
| Completions/Attempts | 18/24 |
| Passing Yards | 278 |
| Touchdowns | 2 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Rushing Attempts/Yards | 8/10 |
Turnovers and Sacks Tell Another Story
Despite the highs, Levis’ performance wasn’t without its flaws. A pick-six in the third quarter allowed Houston to close the gap, swinging momentum back in the Texans’ favor. Additionally, a fumble earlier in the game added to Tennessee’s ball-security woes.
Another alarming statistic was the eight sacks Levis took. While some were due to a shaky offensive line, others stemmed from Levis holding onto the ball too long. Titans coach Mike Vrabel emphasized the need for quicker decision-making. “He made some great throws, no doubt about it,” Vrabel said. “But we’ve got to clean up the turnovers and the sacks if we want to win consistently.”
A Tale of Two Games for the Titans
Tennessee’s offense looked unstoppable at times, racking up explosive plays and scoring 32 points against a solid Texans defense.
- Explosive Plays: Levis completed eight passes of 20 yards or more in his last two games, highlighting his ability to stretch the field.
- Key Contributors: Calvin Ridley and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine provided reliable targets, combining for over 120 yards.
However, the defensive side of the ball struggled to contain the Texans, allowing multiple long drives. While Tennessee ultimately held on, the game’s outcome could have been different if Houston had converted a late red-zone opportunity.
The Big Picture
Levis has now thrown for 573 yards and four touchdowns over the past two weeks, offering a glimpse of the potential the Titans saw when they drafted him. His arm strength and willingness to take shots downfield have breathed new life into Tennessee’s offense.
But the turnovers remain a glaring issue. With a combined three interceptions and two fumbles in his last two games, Levis must find a way to limit mistakes while maintaining his aggressive style.
| Levis’ Last Two Games | Stats |
|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 573 |
| Touchdowns | 4 |
| Interceptions | 3 |
| Explosive Plays (20+ yards) | 8 |
Looking Ahead
The Titans’ win keeps them within striking distance in the AFC South, but their upcoming schedule will test their resilience. With matchups against division leaders on the horizon, Tennessee will need Levis to continue his upward trajectory while minimizing errors.
For now, Sunday’s win offers both optimism and a reminder of the growing pains that come with a rookie quarterback leading the charge.
